Convocation Center (Northern Illinois University)
Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena, at 1525 W Lincoln Hwy, in DeKalb, Illinois, USA.[3] The arena opened in 2002 (18 years ago). The Convocation Center is home to both the Northern Illinois Huskies men's basketball and women's basketball teams, volleyball, Wrestling, gymnastics, and women's indoor track and field squads. Previously, the basketball teams played at the Chick Evans Field House. The Convocation Center also houses many other events including the opening convocation ceremony for freshmen, concerts, job fairs, expositions, and the annual graduation ceremony.
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| Location | 1525 West Lincoln Highway DeKalb, Illinois, 60115-2854, USA |
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| Coordinates | 41°56′6.38″N 88°47′8.05″W |
| Owner | Northern Illinois University |
| Operator | Northern Illinois University |
| Capacity | 10,000 |
| Surface | Hardwood |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 2000 |
| Opened | August 30, 2002 |
| Construction cost | $36 million ($51.2 million in 2019 dollars[1]) |
| Architect | A. Epstein & Sons International[2] |
| General contractor | Turner Construction[2] |
| Tenants | |
| NIU men's basketball (2002–present) | |
The first Northern Illinois athletic event in the new facility happened on August 30, 2002, when the Huskies women's volleyball team defeated IUPUI, 3–1, in the opening round of the Best Western Invitational at Victor E. Court.[4]
Entertainers that have performed at the center include Bob Dylan (from MN), Bill Cosby, Blue Man Group, Brooks & Dunn, Daughtry, Drake, Dave Chappelle, Sugarland, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Chamillionaire, Chingy (from STL), Rascal Flatts (from OH), Michelle Branch, John Mayer, Wayne Brady, O.A.R., Hoobastank, Ludacris (from IL. In 2003.), Ashlee Simpson, Jason Aldean, REO Speedwagon (from Champaign), Ja Rule, Counting Crows, Bill Engvall, Jimmy Eat World with Paramore, B.B. King, 311 (from Omaha), Cheap Trick (from Rockford), Joan Jett, Cedric the Entertainer (from STL), Larry the Cable Guy (from NE), Nelly and St. Lunatics in 2005, Sheryl Crow (from MO), Ciara, Dierks Bentley, Kanye West (from Oak Lawn, IL. In 2005.), Twista (from the Chi. In 2005.) Lupe Fiasco (from Chicago. In 2011.), Kid Cudi (from OH), Incubus, Staind, Big & Rich, Three Days Grace Casting Crowns,Styx (from Chicago) with Kansas, Jars of Clay (from IL), Gretchen Wilson (from IL), Brett Eldredge (from IL), Garrison Keillor (from MN), Sesame Street Live, Young Jeezy, T.I., and T-Pain.
The arena was also the site of a memorial service held on February 24, 2008 in tribute to the victims of the Northern Illinois University shooting. Bon Jovi was scheduled to rehearse at the arena beginning February 14, 2008, prior to the start of the North American leg of their Lost Highway Tour on February 18 in Omaha, but was forced to start the tour without rehearsals due to the NIU shooting and the subsequent closure of the campus.[5]
A county-wide meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses takes place here yearly during the second weekend of August.
References
- Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- Published November 25, 2002. "Convocation Center, Northern Illinois University - SportsBusiness Daily | SportsBusiness Journal | SportsBusiness Daily Global". SportsBusiness Daily. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- Venue Info - NIU - Convocation Center
- "Convo Center". NIUHuskies.com. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
- "Bon Jovi Tour Begins In Shadow Of Shootings". Billboard. 2008-02-19. Retrieved 2014-02-12.